The 501® Jean has reached many milestones on its amazing journey. Have a look at the heritage behind the jean by scrolling through the 501® timeline.

The 501® Jean

A Cultural Timeline

501® Originals. Worn by generations. Defining style for decades. Made original by you.

Pioneers of the West

1890-1945

501® Jeans were made for the hardworking men of the West: Miners, Cowboys and Farmers. Cowgirls wore their husband’s or brother’s 501® jeans when they needed tough, durable clothing on the ranch, leading us to make the first jeans for women in 1934.

1890

Levi’s® riveted overalls evolve into 501® jeans.

Rebels, On & Off Screen

1945-1965

In the 50’s, 501® Jeans were the uniform of youth rebellion. Worn by greasers and motorcycle gangs, they were so controversial, they were banned in some schools.

1953

The 501® jeans cool was contagious and pretty soon Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe were wearing them, showing the world how strong, capable and beautiful a woman can be in her 501® jeans. Marlon Brando’s biker cool in 501® jeans from the film ‘The Wild One’.

1947

501® jeans with a stitched arcuate and slimmer fit are introduced.

Lovers and Fighters

1965-1985

The 501® Jean’s rebellious reputation carried into the 60’s and 70’s counterculture, where Mods, Hippies and Rockers ignited a cultural revolution in them. Patched, painted, ripped and torn, they became a generation’s canvas for self-expression.

1969

Young people hit the streets in protest of the Vietnam war. Woodstock Festival goers make love and peace in their Levi’s® jeans.

1966-1971

The LGBT community wears 501® jeans as they stand up for equal rights. 501® jeans use bar tacks instead of rivets at points of strain. Rivets were reintroduced in ’71.

Transformers

1985-PRESENT

From the slim-straight looks of the 80’s, to oversized 90’s hip hop style, to today’s 501® CT. the 501® Jean has evolved with the times, achieving icon status. It continues to define the modern dress code—and it always will.

1989

German revelers in their Levi’s® at the historic fall of the Berlin Wall.